The Top 100: No. 88, Clardy Vinson

Saturday

Jul 23, 2011 at 4:38 PM

NO. 88. CLARDY VINSON, Topeka High

A 1968 graduate of Topeka High, Vinson was a two-time All-American at Kansas State in 1971-72. Vinson won the 880-yard Big Eight title in 1971 and still ranks fifth in school history in the 800 (1:47.5). But his top collegiate accomplishment came at the 1972 Drake Relays when he was part of the Wildcats’ distance medley relay that set a world record.

In high school, Vinson was a three-time state track champion and his winning 880 time of 1:53.7 remains the all-time state record in the event, which was discontinued in 1979. After completing his athletic career, Vinson returned to High and coached track and cross country.

FUN FACT: Of all the standout track performers in Topeka history, Vinson is the only one who is a member of the KSHSAA Hall of Fame.

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